Key factors that impact the cost of your Dallas to Phoenix move
What to know before moving from Dallas to Phoenix
Moving from Dallas to Phoenix means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Dallas than in Phoenix, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Dallas compares to Phoenix so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Dallas | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,774 | $1,695 |
Average home value | $303,900 | $411,139 |
Average income (per capita) | $68,291 | $64,552 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,828 | $2,369 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,793 | $5,226 |
Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.6% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Phoenix are 5% lower than in Dallas, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Dallas.
Home prices in Phoenix are 35.3% higher than in Dallas. - Income in Phoenix is 5.5% lower than in Dallas, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Phoenix include the State of Arizona, Walmart, Inc., and Banner Health.
- The cost of living for a single person in Phoenix is 16.2% lower than in Dallas. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Phoenix is 32.9% lower than in Dallas.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 83.33% higher than in Dallas.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the cityโs sales taxes in Phoenix are 4.24% higher than in Dallas.
- State income taxes in Phoenix are 2.50% higher than in Dallas.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,513.08 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dallas.
How life is different in Dallas vs. Phoenix
Phoenix | Dallas | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,608,139 | 1,304,379 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 41 | 46 |
Bike friendliness score | 56 | 49 |
Crime Index | 53.06 | 51.4 |
Safety Index | 46.94 | 48.6 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Phoenix is about 23% greater than Dallas, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Phoenix will be about the same as it currently is in Dallas. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Phoenix neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Dallas. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Phoenix isnโt as walkable as Dallas, which has a score of 46 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- If cycling is your thing, Phoenix is considered more bike-friendly than Dallas in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, while Dallas is rated as 49 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Phoenix as Dallas. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- Phoenix is generally as safe as Dallas, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Phoenix isnโt as good as it is in Dallas, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Phoenix has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Dallas is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Dallas vs. Phoenix move
- Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100ยฐ F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an โunregulatedโ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Arizona doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Phoenix without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโoffered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Phoenix
With your sights set on "Arizona's Urban Heart", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Phoenix.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
Things to do in Phoenix
After settling into your new Arizona home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Phoenix has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Phoenix is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Childrenโs Museum of Phoenix, and Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), or Arizona Coyotes (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Dallas to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Dallas are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dallas to Phoenix?
With many people choosing to move from Dallas to Phoenix in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Dallas to Phoenix take?
Moving from Dallas, TX to Phoenix, AZ covers 1,066 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Dallas movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Phoenix.